Congress - District 19

Family:
Married to Dana for 41 years. Two sons, two daughters-in-law, three grandsons and one granddaughter

What are your top three issues and what will you do to make them happen?
Federal spending is out-of-control. I support a plan to cut spending by $5.3 trillion over 10 years. Obamacare must be repealed. I will fight to make sure it is repealed once and for all. America needs a sound energy policy to reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil.

What must be done by Congress to reduce the national debt and deficit?
Congress must make tough choices to significantly reduce government spending. I have repeatedly voted against legislation adding to the deficit, often taking a stand against my own party’s leadership. Congress must come together, be honest with the American people about the tough choices to be made, and then follow through.

What’s your position on immigration reform?
America must secure her borders. I do not believe that those who break our laws should be rewarded with legal status or citizenship. I do, however, support pathways to citizenship for those who come to America legally and follow the steps to become a legal resident or citizen.

Why should states be permitted or prohibited from enacting laws to address immigration issues – such as the Arizona immigration law?
I am a strong supporter of the 10th Amendment, so I believe states have every right to address immigration issues and concerns affecting their residents and citizens.

What are your views on the role of the federal government with regard to the Constitution and 10th Amendment?
Our Founding Fathers went to great lengths to create a system that would limit the size and scope of our federal government. I co-founded the 10th Amendment Task Force in the House of Representatives to proactively look for ways to stop the out-of-control growth of the federal government.

Why should the tax cuts scheduled to expire at year end be extended for all, extended for some or allowed to expire?
I am an advocate for making these tax cuts permanent. Now is not the time to raise taxes on the American people. We need to put more money in the pockets of the families and job creators that can put our economy back on the right track.

On the issue of tax reform, what specifically should Congress do – scrap the tax code and start over or modify the code and how should it do it?
The federal tax code is too complicated. We should stop tinkering around the edges and enact long-term, sustainable changes that will make the code fairer and friendlier for families and businesses. I support the FAIR Tax which establishes a national sales tax.

Texas has issues with the EPA. What would you do to help resolve those issues?
The EPA’s significant and damaging influence in our economy has grown exponentially. From prairie chickens to sagebrush lizards to environmental standards and water quality, the EPA has repeatedly overstepped its bounds and inhibited job and economic growth. EPA should be reformed and its mission redefined.

Green energy has been at the forefront recently. What position would you take in investing federal resources in green energy?
We all know that America is overly dependent on foreign sources of oil. We should take every opportunity to explore and develop all of the options we have available to us. This would include wind and solar and other “green” energy alternatives.

How should the U.S. approach the threat of a nuclear Iran?
The U.S. must take the threat of a nuclear Iran very seriously. I have and will continue to support tough sanctions. I also believe we must support Israel’s efforts to protect herself from Iran’s nuclear threat.

As prices rise, what approach do you advocate for addressing the nation’s energy policy?
I support an “all of the above” energy policy, which includes offshore drilling and drilling in Alaska in ANWR, so we are utilizing all reasonable options that will improve our national security and lower our costs.

What should Congress do with regard to regulating U.S. financial institutions?
One of my highest priorities has been to ensure that your tax dollars are not being misspent. I voted against TARP and have worked to identify and eliminate wasteful federal spending. As Chairman of the Financial Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee I play a leading role in overseeing our financial markets.

Should the U.S Supreme Court rule the individual mandate constitutional, how should Congress approach the Affordable Care Act?
Obamacare must be repealed. It violates Texas’ 10th Amendment rights and will lower the quality of care for individuals and unnecessarily burdens small businesses with additional costs and regulations. I voted against Obamacare when it was created and will continue to fight to make sure it is repealed.

What can you do to ensure the future of the West Texas cotton patch?
As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will be West Texas’ top advocate in the Farm Bill reauthorization process. I believe that it’s in the best interest of our region—and our nation—to ensure that we can guarantee a stable domestic supply of food and fiber.

On what basis would you advocate or oppose establishing a federal Sunset Commission, like that of Texas, to review existing federal programs and eliminate ones that are out of date or wasteful?
I authored legislation in the 111th Congress, H.R. 534, to establish a federal sunset commission similar to that of the State of Texas.

What House members do you most respect or would like to emulate?
I respect my colleagues Mike Pence, Randy Forbes, Paul Ryan and Jeb Hensarling for their dedication to their constituents, their faith, and for their deep knowledge of the issues facing our country today.

Who are some of your better known supporters and what endorsements have you received?
I am proudest of the endorsement I receive from the 19th district constituents who put their faith and trust in me as their representative.
Additionally, I have received top ratings from the following organizations: American Conservative Union, Christian Coalition, National Right to Life, Club for Growth and National Rifle Association.